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After a turbulent season with Napoli, Victor Osimhen is set to join Galatasaray on a short-term loan, with only minor details left to finalize.
This move comes after Napoli sidelined the 25-year-old striker, banning him from the squad and declaring him surplus to their plans.
With failed transfers across Europe and the transfer window closing, Galatasaray emerged as a lifeline for Osimhen, offering him a fresh start.
The news broke on Monday, sending shockwaves across the football world. Napoli’s stance on Osimhen was clear – they had no intention of reintegrating him into the squad.
However, the determined striker has found a new home in Istanbul.
A Warm Welcome in Istanbul
Galatasaray fans are eagerly anticipating Osimhen’s arrival.
The excitement reached a fever pitch as fans were spotted on the streets, eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the reigning African football of the year.
Galatasaray added to the frenzy by live streaming Osimhen’s flight to Istanbul on their official YouTube channel, capturing the hearts of fans with nearly an hour of footage.
The Contract Details
Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray is a temporary one, with the following key details:
Extension with Napoli
Before the loan deal, Osimhen signed a one-year contract extension with Napoli.
This was done to protect his market value and eliminate certain clauses in his previous deal, setting his release clause at €75 million.
Loan Terms
The move is purely a loan with no option or obligation for Galatasaray to make the transfer permanent.
January Break Clause
Osimhen can leave Istanbul in January if a permanent offer meets Napoli’s demands.
Salary Coverage
The Turkish club will cover Osimhen’s €9-10 million salary during his stay.
Why This Move Makes Sense for Osimhen
For Osimhen, the loan to Galatasaray is an opportunity to stay active and maintain his form, avoiding the risk of being frozen out and seeing his value diminish.
Additionally, Galatasaray’s participation in the Europa League offers Osimhen a platform to showcase his talents on the continental stage, something he would have missed at Napoli.
Galatasaray is also a strong contender in the Turkish Süper Lig, boasting a perfect start to their season with three wins in three matches.
Nigerians Who Have Played for Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen joins a select group of Nigerian players who have donned the Galatasaray jersey as he won’t be the first.
Here are others Nigerians who have aged for the club
1. Dominic Iorfa:
The retired Super Eagles striker had a brief stint at Galatasaray during the 1991/92 season.
Though he didn’t score, Iorfa provided three assists in nine appearances before moving to Peterborough United in England.
He earned 21 caps for Nigeria during his career.
2. Valentine Ozornwafor:
Valentine Ozornwafor.
Ozornwafor made a significant leap when he joined Galatasaray in 2019 from Enyimba, a top Nigerian club. Unfortunately, he struggled to make an impact in Turkey, spending most of his time on loan.
In three years, he made just one appearance for Galatasaray.
3. Oghenekaro Peter Etebo
Peter Etebo.
Etebo joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan in 2020 after finding limited playing time at Stoke City.
He made 29 appearances, helping the team to a second-place finish in the Süper Lig, narrowly missing out on the title to Beşiktaş.
4. Henry Onyekuru
Henry Onyekuru celebrates. (Photo by Onur Coban/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
